Abstract
Sedimentation results in the creation of new mudflats for mangroves to colonize among other benefits. However, large sediment input in mangrove areas may be detrimental to these forests. The dynamics of phenological events of three mangrove tree species (Avicennia marina, Ceriops tagal, and Rhizophora mucronata) were evaluated under experimental sediment burial simulating sedimentation levels of 15, 30, and 45 cm.While there was generally no shift in timing of phenological events with sedimentation, the three mangrove tree species each responded differently to the treatments.Partially buried A. marina trees produced more leaves than the controls during the wet season and less during the dry season. Ceriops tagal on the other hand had higher leaf loss and low replacement rates in the partially buried trees during the first 6 months of the experiment but adapted with time, resulting in either equal or higher leaf emergence rates than the controls.Rhizophora mucronata maintained leaf emergence and loss patterns as the unaffected controls but had a higher fecundity and productivity in the 15-cm sedimentation level.The results suggest that under incidences of large sedimentation events (which could be witnessed as a result of climate change impacts coupled with anthropogenic disturbances), mangrove trees may capitalize on “advantages” associated with terrestrial sediment brought into the biotope, thus maintaining the pattern of phenological events.
Highlights
The pattern of phenological events is important in determining survival and reproductive success of plants
5 The results suggest that under incidences of large sedimentation events, mangrove trees may capitalize on “advantages” associated with terrestrial sediment brought into the biotope, maintaining the pattern of phenological events
Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Summary
The pattern of phenological events (flowering, fruiting, leaf emergence, and fall) is important in determining survival and reproductive success of plants. Leaf phenology constitutes an important aspect of studies concerning production and fluxes of organic matter in an ecosystem (Wium-Andersen and Christensen 1978; Zalamea and Gonzalez 2008). The shedding process provides a measure of organic input (Saenger and Moverly 1985; Kristensen et al 2008; Zalamea and Gonzalez 2008). Certain plant species may experience earlier or delayed bud break, flowering, and/or fruiting, facing an increased risk for attack by seasonal pests or unfavorable weather conditions (Rochette et al 2004; Thampanya 2006; Henniges et al 2007). Premature leaf fall (abscission) may result from release of drought stress as has been witnessed in watered seedlings following severely dry conditions (Tudela and Primo-Millo 1992; Gomez-Cadenas et al 1996)
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